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EVALUATION OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS

This paper discusses some of the basic problems and potential solutions involved in the evaluation of the effectiveness of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Basic background material regarding the intent, history and development of motor vehicle safety standards is presented to establish the context for the role of evaluation of such standards. Based on a review of materials associated with the evaluation task, and on an in-depth study recently performed by SRI for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to develop potential evaluation plans for four specific FMVSS, observations are presented on the problems of evaluation planning in general. Some basic evaluation elements are then presented for each of the four specific standards examined by SRI: FMVSS 301 (Fuel System Integrity); FMVSS 208 (Occupant Protection); FMVSS 214 (Side Door Strength); and FMVSS 215 (exterior Protection). In addition, general conclusions and recommendations are presented throughout that may assist the overall task of evaluating FMVSS. /Author/

Supplemental Notes:

From the Proceedings of the Third International System Safety Conference, October 17-21, 1977, Stouffer's National Center Inn, Washington, D.C. Theme of the Conference: System Safety in a World of Diminishing Resources.